1981 Triumph TR8 Convertible (Ian Lines)

Highlights

• Only 3,810 miles from new
• Converted in period by the definitive TR8 specialist Ian 'Del' Lines using brand-new BL components
• Potentially the greatest original example in the world
• Beautifully kept and never exposed to wet weather
• Still sits on its original tyres
• Advisory-free MOT until March 2026

The Appeal

The Triumph TR8 was the right car at the wrong time. A V8-engined version of Harris Mann's wedge-shaped sports cars was a brilliant concept, proved by Tony Pond's great success on the rally stage.
Many sources differ on the number of true TR8s built. Richard Connew, a very well-regarded enthusiast, managed to get access to the records at British Motor Heritage Industry Trust and counted 2746 before British Leyland's collapse, but numbers vary so wildly that there may never be a definitive answer.
That scarcity lead to aftermarket conversions of TR7 shells, some better than others, of course. But those in the know recognise the TR8s built by Ian Lines Atlantic Garage to be perhaps the very best ever produced in period. Lines bought all the parts from BL when the Lode Lane factory shut up shop, so his conversions weren't built using scrap Rovers - these were authentic TR8s in every respect other than the fact they were built on the seafront of Weston-Super-Mare, rather than Solihull.
Here we have one of those cars, which, with a mere 3,810 miles under its belt, is likely the finest example of its kind anywhere in the world. The last keepers acquired the car with 900 miles on the odometer in 1989, and they, too, have hardly driven it since. The V5C shows two former keepers—a father and son. This Triumph is so original that it still sits on its original Goodyear tyres! It truly is museum-worthy.

The History and Paperwork

• UK home marked TR7 registered on 5th November 1981
• Converted to full TR8 spec by Ian 'Del' Lines, with supporting invoice dated 28th November 1981
• Includes a letter from Del Lines explaining the specification
• Shows two former registered keepers, both from the same family (father and son)
• MOT until 19th March 2026
• 3,810 warranted miles
• SORN for some time as part of the vendor's collection which they are in the process of downsizing

The Condition

• Impeccable original condition throughout; utterly remarkable for its age
• Not subject to any restoration or modification
• Hardly any indication of use in line with ultra-low mileage
• Original Goodyear tyres fitted to all wheels including the spare
• Folding roof in full working order; no obvious fogging to the rear window
• Tonneau cover present
• No signs of corrosion visible in any of the photographs
• Period DIN stereo
• Fuel gauge has an intermittent fault, but everything else works according to the vendor

The Mechanics

• 3.5-litre Rover V8
• Five-speed manual transmission
• Poly bushes installed in the suspension
• Runs and drives well, though light recommissioning may be required due to standing for a while
• Original BL spare keys included
• No MOT advisories

BEFORE YOU BUY

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